Guwahati: Assam bid a tearful farewell to legendary singer Zubeen Garg, whose mortal remains arrived in Guwahati on Sunday after being flown from Delhi. The popular artist, fondly remembered as the “King of Humming,” passed away in a scuba accident in Singapore on 19 September, leaving millions of fans in shock.
Mortal remains brought home
The mortal remains were first received at the Guwahati airport, where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita paid their respects. Emotional scenes unfolded as thousands gathered at the airport and lined the roads to catch a final glimpse of the beloved singer.
From the airport, the body was taken to Garg’s residence, before being moved to the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai, Guwahati. The government announced that his remains would be kept there from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, allowing fans and admirers to offer their last respects.
Government statement and state mourning
The Assam government issued a statement describing Zubeen Garg as “an artist larger than life, a cultural icon, filmmaker, and the eternal heartthrob of millions.” It appealed to the public to ensure that his final journey is conducted with dignity and remembered as a farewell befitting the legendary artist.
In honour of Garg, the state government has declared a three-day mourning period. During this time, there will be no official entertainment, ceremonial events, or public celebrations across Assam.
Fans pay heartfelt tributes
Fans in Guwahati and across the state lit candles, sang his songs, and gathered in public spaces to celebrate his music and mourn his loss. For many, Garg’s voice was not only a part of their lives but also a reflection of Assamese identity and pride.
Social media was flooded with messages from admirers who hailed him as a symbol of Assam’s cultural renaissance. Many called him a bridge between Assamese music and mainstream Indian film industries, noting his famous Bollywood track Ya Ali, which brought him national recognition.
A legacy beyond music
Zubeen Garg, 52, was more than just a singer. He was a music director, actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist who shaped modern Assamese music while contributing to Hindi, Bengali, and other regional industries. His ability to blend traditional folk with contemporary sounds made him a cultural icon not only in Assam but across India.
For the people of Assam, Garg was not merely an entertainer but also a voice of social causes, often taking strong stands on issues close to the heart of the Assamese community.
Conclusion
The sudden passing of Zubeen Garg has left a deep void in Assam’s cultural and musical landscape. As thousands gather to bid their final farewell, the state remembers him as more than an artist — as a son of Assam who embodied its spirit, resilience, and creativity.
His songs will continue to echo in the hearts of millions, even as Assam collectively mourns the loss of one of its greatest icons.